President Bola Tinubu has selected Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, to lead the National Universities Commission (NUC) as Chairman of its Governing Board. The announcement was shared via a press statement released on Monday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
Ogundipe takes over from Emeritus Professor Olufemi Raphael Aina, who stepped down from the role less than a year into his term. Aina had been appointed by the President in July 2025, with the board members officially taking office that November.
Bringing extensive experience as a botanist and academic administrator, Ogundipe led the University of Lagos between 2017 and 2022 and currently functions as the Pro-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University. The 66-year-old academic earned a PhD in Botany from Obafemi Awolowo University and an MBA from the University of Lagos, specializing in fields such as molecular plant taxonomy, ethnobotany, and ecological conservation.
Beyond his academic credentials, he holds fellowships with the Nigerian Academy of Science, the Royal Society of Biology, and the Linnean Society of London. He has also chaired the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council.
In his new capacity, Ogundipe will oversee the regulation and advancement of the Nigerian university sector, focusing on financial stability, academic standards, and international competitiveness. President Tinubu anticipates that Ogundipe’s leadership will bolster the integrity of the higher education system and promote essential reforms.
